The growth of Palm Springs as a gambling destination has been very impressive, and now we’re starting to see premium shows there as well that remind us of the glory days of Las Vegas. Veteran Las Vegas performer Steve Connolly will reprise his award-winning role as the legendary Elvis Presley in the stage production of “Spirit of the King” in the Cascade Lounge of the Spa Resort Casino. The show kicked off on Wednesday and a red carpet premiere is scheduled for next week on the 27th and Bullz-Eye.com’s Paul Miller will be on location to cover the festivities. Paul took the photos above of the Marilyn Monroe impersonator who joins Connolly on stage for the show.

Veteran producer Dennis Levinson is bringing the show to Palm Springs, and he brings years of experience working with a wide variety of performers, including Johnny Cash, James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Mickey Gilley, Jose Feliciano, Sam Kinison, Starship, Air Supply, B.J. Thomas, The Mamas & The Papas, Marshal Tucker, Gallagher, Wayne Newton, Eddie Fisher, and Rita Rudner.

“Connolly takes his considerable skills as a recording artist, composer, writer, TV personality, musician, singer, humorist, and fine artist, to craft a totally unique show,” explains Dennis Levinson, producer of Spirit of the King. “The new show will focus on the glory days of 1960 when Elvis lived in Palm Springs. Connolly has always wanted to create a special show for Palm Springs, and this is the central theme of ‘Spirit of the King.’”

Dubbed “The hardest working KING in show biz,” Steve Connolly has performed as Elvis Presley more than 4,000 times in his career. He remains the only entertainer depicting Elvis to be chosen by the Las Vegas Review Journal’s staff as “Best Elvis in Las Vegas” in 2006 and 2007. Connolly also devotes a small portion of his 75-minute performance to creating a speed-painted ‘portrait of the King’ which is then sold to the highest bidder at the end of the show. Check out the video below for a preview.

Located just over an hour from Los Angeles, Palm Springs has been a popular destination spot for decades. But with the growth of the casinos and now regular entertainment like this show, it’s becoming a real alternative for many who don’t want the much longer drive to Vegas.

Show times for “Spirit of the King” are Saturday-Wednesday nightly at 6:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets for this unforgettable performance start at $35 and are available at the show website or by calling 800-585-3737.